Survey Data
Reg No
20907820
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical, Social
Original Use
Signal tower
Date
1800 - 1810
Coordinates
208791, 69584
Date Recorded
23/08/2007
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Ruinous remains of square-profile two-stage signal tower, built c. 1805, having red brick machicolation on rubble stone corbelled brackets to front (south) elevation and red brick bartizans on rubble stone corbelled brackets to north-east and north-west corners. Recent flat roof covering set within walls. Rubble stone walls with weather slating. Square-headed door opening to first floor of front elevation with rubble stone voussoirs. Square-headed window openings to east and west elevations and square-headed door opening to east elevation. Length of rubble stone boundary wall to north. Single-bay single-storey concrete look-out post, built c. 1940, to south having canted front (south) elevation. Comprising flat roof, concrete walls and square-headed openings.
Appraisal
One of a network of signal towers built around the south, east, and west coasts in the early nineteenth century to ensure a quick response to attempted invasion, following attempt by French fleet to land at Bantry in 1796. A remarkably complete surviving example of the typical square-plan with first floor entrance with machicolation. Nearby World War II look-out post providing interesting contrast, very different form and materials providing similar defensive and communication function.